December 11, 2016

Sunday, December 11th – The altar greens are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Dr. William Nick by his wife Helen.

Monday, December 12th – Prayerful Yoga – Creating space in the body through breath, movement, and stillness creates space in your heart and life. Join instructor Beth Lefevre in Seccombe Hall from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. No previous yoga experience is required. Donations go to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund.

Tuesday, December 13th – All Saints’ Book Club meeting at 6 p.m. in the Library. Bring something to add to a salad or other nibbles, cheese or dessert. Book to discuss: Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik.

Thursday, December 15th at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel: The Contemplative Prayer Group. We will begin with a short reading from Fr. Thomas Keating’s book, Open Mind, Open Heart, followed by Centering Prayer meditation, and a short discussion about our practice. Please join us even if you have not attended a workshop.

Thursday December 15th at 7:00 p.m. All Saints’ Day School – Lessons and Carols – here at All Saints’ Church.

Saturday, December 17th – Ordination service of Robin Denney, former youth leader here at All Saints’, at 4 p.m. at Trinity Cathedral in San Jose, reception to follow. If you plan to attend, please let Rev. Amber know.

New Year’s Eve, December 31st – a Service of Lessons and Carols at 5:30 p.m. (Note this replaces Evensong, which will not take place on January 1st because of the holday.)

New Year’s Day, January 1st – Holy Communion at 10:30 a.m. only.

Christmas Flower Donations. If you would like to donate toward the Christmas season flowers that adorn our sanctuary, please use the forms found at the back of the church. Suggested donation is $20.00. You may make your donation in memory or in thanksgiving. All dedications will be acknowledged in the Christmas bulletins.

Christmas Giving –As in past years All Saints’ Church members may contribute gifts to be distributed to families by Epiphany Church in Marina on Christmas Eve. Needed are Walmart gift cards in $25 increments, bicycle accessories (particularly helmets for children), toys for children to 10 years, and jackets for ages 6 mos. to 12 years. You may leave items in boxes provided in back of All Saints Church. Alternatively, you may write a check to All Saints Church noting Epiphany Christmas Program in the memo line. Please leave gift cards and checks in the office. Due Dec. 12.

The 2017 Altar Flower Calendar has been posted in the back of the church. Almost all dates in 2017 are now available for you to contribute flowers to honor or memorialize a special event or loved one. We ask for a minimum contribution of $65 which is the cost of the flowers. More than one person can sign up for that special Sunday – it is within the rules to have multiple dedications! Please contact Mila Murphy with any questions.

Icons in Transformation – As we announced these last two weeks, we have a parishioner who has challenged us by offering a $3,000 matching grant to be used toward the purchase of two of Ludmila’s paintings. We are still $800 short of our goal. Please contribute by the 18th. That’s our deadline!!

Our Memorial Garden Project has been completed. Consider buying a brick to commemorate a loved one in your family or reserve one for yourself. This is a beautiful meditative spot. Jana Gill is the contact if you have questions.

Daily Morning Prayer – Welcome Happy Morning! You are invited to join All Saints’ parishioners every weekday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for prayers, music, and reflection at Morning Prayer in the All Saints’ Chapel of Saints Benedict and Scholastica (door on 8th and Lincoln).

There is a need for sleeping bags, windbreaker jackets, and socks for those in need. Jackets need to be clean and light enough to roll up tightly. Marked containers will be under the tables by the front doors. Thanks from your Outreach Commission. Thanks from those in need.

Donations for the Food Pantry – The food pantry can use canned meats, tuna, peanut butter, canned fruit or vegetables, and toiletries. Please place donated items in the basket at the entrance to the church. Thank you for your generosity towards those in need.

Announcement deadline – To be included in next Sunday’s bulletin, your announcement must be submitted by 11 a.m. on the preceding Wednesday. Most special parish events are included in the announcements for three weeks before they occur. Contact Ray Krise in the office at 624-3883, ext. 14 or ray.krise@allsaintscarmel.org.